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How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations?
Posted by Superior Shine
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How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 15, 2005 01:22AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 866 |
<HTML>So how do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? I try to set our standards high as far as service goes. Keeping the vans super clean, being uniformed, etc..... also helps.
What are you doing?</HTML>
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Plays in the rain --- www.SuperiorShineDetailing.com
What are you doing?</HTML>
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Plays in the rain --- www.SuperiorShineDetailing.com
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 15, 2005 01:53AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 241 |
<HTML>Joe:
I print 'Certified Detailing Specialist' & 'Member Professional Detailers Technicians Association' on all my flyers.
I also have binder that has the folowing:
Copies of the front page profile of my company from Jan 2004 Detailers Digest.
All the certificates from the mobile tech expo
Business Lic.
Insurance Pol.
and other information.
Also a ton of before and after pic.
SInce my business is not nearly as busy as your yet
(I have time each day to do networking).
I go to every after hours networking meeting I can find.
I get tons of business from these events. The best part is that I am the only detailer there.
I have also joined several networking groups that meet during lunch.
Again I am the only detailer there in these groups too.
The 'Flight by night' guys are not going to do the above, their to busy washing cars for $15........................</HTML>
Auto Appearances Inc , Raleigh NC (919) 812-4759
I print 'Certified Detailing Specialist' & 'Member Professional Detailers Technicians Association' on all my flyers.
I also have binder that has the folowing:
Copies of the front page profile of my company from Jan 2004 Detailers Digest.
All the certificates from the mobile tech expo
Business Lic.
Insurance Pol.
and other information.
Also a ton of before and after pic.
SInce my business is not nearly as busy as your yet
(I have time each day to do networking).
I go to every after hours networking meeting I can find.
I get tons of business from these events. The best part is that I am the only detailer there.
I have also joined several networking groups that meet during lunch.
Again I am the only detailer there in these groups too.
The 'Flight by night' guys are not going to do the above, their to busy washing cars for $15........................</HTML>
Auto Appearances Inc , Raleigh NC (919) 812-4759
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 15, 2005 02:04AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 146 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 15, 2005 02:39AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 37 |
<HTML>I ignore 'em. Our standards are high and our prices are high. People who bring their vehicles to us know they're getting a quality job and understand quality costs money. They take pride in their vehicles.
People who are looking for a "cheap" detail usually drive average or below vehicles and those aren't the kind we want anyway.
Steve Bough
The Shine Shop
Jasper, IN
PDTA member</HTML>
People who are looking for a "cheap" detail usually drive average or below vehicles and those aren't the kind we want anyway.
Steve Bough
The Shine Shop
Jasper, IN
PDTA member</HTML>
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 15, 2005 11:51AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 112 |
<HTML>Just ignore them, they'll be gone before you know it.</HTML>
San Antonio Mobile Auto Detail
Martin Hernandez
210.213.3782
[www.saMobileCarWash.com]
San Antonio Mobile Auto Detail
Martin Hernandez
210.213.3782
[www.saMobileCarWash.com]
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 16, 2005 03:42PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 141 |
<HTML>I have a 'competitor' who was running a mobile unit out of station wagon with a "Kar Krazy" detailing hand written sign inthe window. Guys like this are a dime a dozen and the best thing to do is let them be. Like locusts and house flies they are pests who are short lived. I also called Meguiars and passed this guys name and number on to them since Barry Mequiar owns "Kar Krazy" I thought they would like to know. Haven't seen the guy in a month. But for the most part I do stress our corporate structuring, professional chemicals vs what you get at Pep Boys, insurance, training and better equipment to my customers. Most commercial accounts i have won't even talk to these fly by night dudes.</HTML>
Keith
Details on Demand Inc.
Mobile Auto and Boat Detailing
Keith
Details on Demand Inc.
Mobile Auto and Boat Detailing
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 16, 2005 05:55PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 12 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 18, 2005 03:19PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 59 |
<HTML>In skillfully applied marketing, perception becomes reality. Your image becomes all-powerful.
Several of you have inferred that your prices are "high"... or higher than others. Steve implies that his price is reflective of his high standards. That is a good thing, but how do you tie the two together?
Do you feel that price is a secondary consideration... and if so, how do you establish your particular prices? As well, how do you effectively distinguish yourself and your pricing when marketing your services? Your shared response is appreciated.
Thanks,
-Steve</HTML>
Several of you have inferred that your prices are "high"... or higher than others. Steve implies that his price is reflective of his high standards. That is a good thing, but how do you tie the two together?
Do you feel that price is a secondary consideration... and if so, how do you establish your particular prices? As well, how do you effectively distinguish yourself and your pricing when marketing your services? Your shared response is appreciated.
Thanks,
-Steve</HTML>
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 18, 2005 07:24PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 241 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 18, 2005 09:46PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 118 |
<HTML>I am constantly being told by others that I make them look bad and not all of them say so in words. All I have to do is just show up for work and you can just see their irritation. My actions as a committed professional bring up issues within uninformed detailers that have gone on undealt with for quite some time.
I have found, based on years of experience that people find more value in your actions than on your words at first. Once trust has been established through action your word becomes valuable also.</HTML>
Detailing, An Art In Motion!
I have found, based on years of experience that people find more value in your actions than on your words at first. Once trust has been established through action your word becomes valuable also.</HTML>
Detailing, An Art In Motion!
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 22, 2005 12:28AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,550 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 22, 2005 12:53AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 59 |
<HTML>
PROFESSIONAL:
- Conforming to the standards of a profession: professional behavior.
- Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career: a professional writer, bus driver, surfer.
- Performed by persons receiving pay: professional athlete, craftsman,employee.
- Having or showing great skill; expert: a professional repair job.
- A skilled practitioner; an expert characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.
FLY-BY-NIGHT
- Unreliable or unscrupulous, especially with regard to business dealings.
- Of an impermanent or insubstantial nature: here and gone without a trace.
- Dubious to a fault.</HTML>
PROFESSIONAL:
- Conforming to the standards of a profession: professional behavior.
- Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career: a professional writer, bus driver, surfer.
- Performed by persons receiving pay: professional athlete, craftsman,employee.
- Having or showing great skill; expert: a professional repair job.
- A skilled practitioner; an expert characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.
FLY-BY-NIGHT
- Unreliable or unscrupulous, especially with regard to business dealings.
- Of an impermanent or insubstantial nature: here and gone without a trace.
- Dubious to a fault.</HTML>
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? July 22, 2005 01:21AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 11 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? December 08, 2005 02:16PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 866 |
<HTML>"Do you feel that price is a secondary consideration... and if so, how do you establish your particular prices? As well, how do you effectively distinguish yourself and your pricing when marketing your services? Your shared response is appreciated."
I sell myself first. I get the client hooked on quality then give them the price. Most make a comment that the price is " a little high" but still hire us.
I give every client a comment card after every service. Out of the six questions about the service we perform on their vehicle we 99% of the time rank highest as "excellent" with the pricing question ranked the next step down as "good."
That ells me we are charging pretty much the max we can charge for the services we provide in my area.</HTML>
-----------------------------------------------------
Plays in the rain --- www.SuperiorShineDetailing.com
I sell myself first. I get the client hooked on quality then give them the price. Most make a comment that the price is " a little high" but still hire us.
I give every client a comment card after every service. Out of the six questions about the service we perform on their vehicle we 99% of the time rank highest as "excellent" with the pricing question ranked the next step down as "good."
That ells me we are charging pretty much the max we can charge for the services we provide in my area.</HTML>
-----------------------------------------------------
Plays in the rain --- www.SuperiorShineDetailing.com
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? December 08, 2005 02:57PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 641 |
<HTML>Joe, excellent!
What sometimes amazes me is how many in the detailing business fail to see that the "path to a sale" is right in front of them, each day as they drive by any Car-X, Valvoline Quick Lube, Meinke, etc.
These companies are in the same segment of business that a detailer is.
Services, , selling a needed product/service, and are very successful at what they do.
If one will take the time to actually "study" how they go about drawing customers in, spending time with the customer to show them, educate them on "what they need and why", the sale ticket goes up, which is MORE PROFIT, etc.
A good friend of mine is a manager for a company owned Valvoline Quick Lube.
You know the "drill", oil change for $19.95, most cars.
His "average ticket" is around $50 per vehicle, that is quite an improvement in the store's bottom line profit picture.
Too many "detailers' do not grasp this very simple and successful concept of growing their profit picture.
They tend to focus on "what is the best wax, etc", how can I buy something cheaper, etc.
When they should be working on improving their sales and presentation abilities, educating themselves as to what may services may be sold,etc.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
What sometimes amazes me is how many in the detailing business fail to see that the "path to a sale" is right in front of them, each day as they drive by any Car-X, Valvoline Quick Lube, Meinke, etc.
These companies are in the same segment of business that a detailer is.
Services, , selling a needed product/service, and are very successful at what they do.
If one will take the time to actually "study" how they go about drawing customers in, spending time with the customer to show them, educate them on "what they need and why", the sale ticket goes up, which is MORE PROFIT, etc.
A good friend of mine is a manager for a company owned Valvoline Quick Lube.
You know the "drill", oil change for $19.95, most cars.
His "average ticket" is around $50 per vehicle, that is quite an improvement in the store's bottom line profit picture.
Too many "detailers' do not grasp this very simple and successful concept of growing their profit picture.
They tend to focus on "what is the best wax, etc", how can I buy something cheaper, etc.
When they should be working on improving their sales and presentation abilities, educating themselves as to what may services may be sold,etc.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? December 09, 2005 04:28AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 146 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? December 09, 2005 06:06AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,550 |
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Re: How do we that are professionals combat flight-by-night operations? December 09, 2005 05:05PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 17 |
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How Do Like Your PACKAGING? December 09, 2005 05:53PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 59 |
<HTML>I've had this discussion with several of you privately... and think it may be wise to share it with the group.
It relates to generating new business.. and keeping existing customers, and makes concerns about fly-by-night competitors pale in comparison.
One of the essential keys to marketing your business is DISTINGUISHING YOURSELF. In essence, separating (and raising) your business identity apart from all others. Standing out... in a positive way.
The risk you all share is having someone use "your" price... and combine it with "their" frame of reference. When all else fails, consumers compare price... simply because it is an easy common denominator for someone who is unable to compare on the merits.
For example, if the consumer goes into a big box store and looks at car care products, the thing that usually makes the most powerful statement isn't the price. Instead, it is the "package".
If all packaging was the same, pricewould provide an easy decision. Top manufacturers (marketing experts) know that... and realize the absolute importance of the PACKAGE. The package is everything you see, read, touch, smell, and hear when you look at a given product. It's everything pulled together in a nice neat bundle of IDENTITY.
Accordingly, you must all take a look at YOUR individual packaging. If you're a mobile detailer, it is your vehicle, your name, your uniform, your choice of colors, your up-close-and-personal image.
It goes beyond the material things, too... and touches on your projected image that is affected by things like your appearance, the way you conduct yourself, how you talk, walk, and express yourself.
If you're concrned about pricing, then you must realize that price is a relative value... and relates to the consumer's perception of worth. Some of you rely on "selling yourself" to the customer... and that involves much more than what you actually say (verbalize) during your presentation. It has to do with WHAT YOU DO... as well as HOW YOU DO IT. When you get up and start your day, you must all remain sensitive to the fact that your packaging... is how you are viewed and perceived by all others. Do you walk briskly with a spring in your step that says you don't waste time and you know where you're going? Do you have a pleasant smile on your face because you are eager and happy doing what you are doing? Is your vehicle a positive reflection of your business... and is your driving courteous to all others? If we made a video of you, how do you think you'd look? And more importantly, how do you think others would view you?
When you're a key component in the "package", you must always be mindful that no matter where you are, IT'S SHOWTIME!
Fact of the matter is, people make their individual purchasing decisons through EMOTIONS. And they justify those actions with logic afterwards. That's why the package is so, so important. If the price is high, but they like you... you are perceived as being worth it. Conversely, if they do not connect with you on an emotional level... the purchase will be compromised. Oh, you may get the business initially... but chances are, you won't keep it.
Don't want to use up too much space with this explanation... and recognize that much needs to be shared.
This is a discussion I'd like to continue during the round table session in Orlando. Bring your questions and be prepared to take a very close look at your packaging... and how it can improve immediately.
Warmest Wishes to All for a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Holiday Season!
-Steve</HTML>
It relates to generating new business.. and keeping existing customers, and makes concerns about fly-by-night competitors pale in comparison.
One of the essential keys to marketing your business is DISTINGUISHING YOURSELF. In essence, separating (and raising) your business identity apart from all others. Standing out... in a positive way.
The risk you all share is having someone use "your" price... and combine it with "their" frame of reference. When all else fails, consumers compare price... simply because it is an easy common denominator for someone who is unable to compare on the merits.
For example, if the consumer goes into a big box store and looks at car care products, the thing that usually makes the most powerful statement isn't the price. Instead, it is the "package".
If all packaging was the same, pricewould provide an easy decision. Top manufacturers (marketing experts) know that... and realize the absolute importance of the PACKAGE. The package is everything you see, read, touch, smell, and hear when you look at a given product. It's everything pulled together in a nice neat bundle of IDENTITY.
Accordingly, you must all take a look at YOUR individual packaging. If you're a mobile detailer, it is your vehicle, your name, your uniform, your choice of colors, your up-close-and-personal image.
It goes beyond the material things, too... and touches on your projected image that is affected by things like your appearance, the way you conduct yourself, how you talk, walk, and express yourself.
If you're concrned about pricing, then you must realize that price is a relative value... and relates to the consumer's perception of worth. Some of you rely on "selling yourself" to the customer... and that involves much more than what you actually say (verbalize) during your presentation. It has to do with WHAT YOU DO... as well as HOW YOU DO IT. When you get up and start your day, you must all remain sensitive to the fact that your packaging... is how you are viewed and perceived by all others. Do you walk briskly with a spring in your step that says you don't waste time and you know where you're going? Do you have a pleasant smile on your face because you are eager and happy doing what you are doing? Is your vehicle a positive reflection of your business... and is your driving courteous to all others? If we made a video of you, how do you think you'd look? And more importantly, how do you think others would view you?
When you're a key component in the "package", you must always be mindful that no matter where you are, IT'S SHOWTIME!
Fact of the matter is, people make their individual purchasing decisons through EMOTIONS. And they justify those actions with logic afterwards. That's why the package is so, so important. If the price is high, but they like you... you are perceived as being worth it. Conversely, if they do not connect with you on an emotional level... the purchase will be compromised. Oh, you may get the business initially... but chances are, you won't keep it.
Don't want to use up too much space with this explanation... and recognize that much needs to be shared.
This is a discussion I'd like to continue during the round table session in Orlando. Bring your questions and be prepared to take a very close look at your packaging... and how it can improve immediately.
Warmest Wishes to All for a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Holiday Season!
-Steve</HTML>
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Re: How Do Like Your PACKAGING? December 09, 2005 05:58PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 641 |
<HTML>Well said, Steve, well said.
I hope all take this to heart and start really considering the importance of your valuable advice!
Any change takes time and when it comes to people, a real dedication, everyday, is required to make the change become "part" of you.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
I hope all take this to heart and start really considering the importance of your valuable advice!
Any change takes time and when it comes to people, a real dedication, everyday, is required to make the change become "part" of you.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
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Re: How Do Like Your PACKAGING? January 27, 2006 09:39PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 13 |
<HTML>I feel for you seeing how you are located in SoCal. My cousin owns a mobile detailing service in San Marcos, CA and I like to make it out there a couple of times a year just to keep current with my roots in Cali.
Every Professional Detailer knows that you cannot operate a business doing front to back details for $65.00 a pop. Nobody I know can properly consistantly detail cars in one hour no matter what sort of tools they have.
I have noticed that in the San Diego area there are a bunch of Mobile Detailing operations out there who are advertising just that. The bad news about that is that it makes it particulary hard to establish a new customer base when there are several mobile detailers frequenting the same business parks and naturally price is going to be a major selling point. The good news about it is that is forces experienced professional mobile detailers to think outside of the box on where to establish new business.
A great place to go especially in the Southern California area is to contracting and paint companies. Overspray and fallout removal is very lucrative 300-450 an automobile and is usually covered under the contractors insurance. No fly by night operation is going to have the technical expertise to insure overspray and fallout from a construction site is going to be removed properly and to the customer's satisfaction.</HTML>
X-Calibur 1 Auto Detailing / Paint / Collision Repair
12626 Old Jefferson HWY.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
(225)756-5551
Every Professional Detailer knows that you cannot operate a business doing front to back details for $65.00 a pop. Nobody I know can properly consistantly detail cars in one hour no matter what sort of tools they have.
I have noticed that in the San Diego area there are a bunch of Mobile Detailing operations out there who are advertising just that. The bad news about that is that it makes it particulary hard to establish a new customer base when there are several mobile detailers frequenting the same business parks and naturally price is going to be a major selling point. The good news about it is that is forces experienced professional mobile detailers to think outside of the box on where to establish new business.
A great place to go especially in the Southern California area is to contracting and paint companies. Overspray and fallout removal is very lucrative 300-450 an automobile and is usually covered under the contractors insurance. No fly by night operation is going to have the technical expertise to insure overspray and fallout from a construction site is going to be removed properly and to the customer's satisfaction.</HTML>
X-Calibur 1 Auto Detailing / Paint / Collision Repair
12626 Old Jefferson HWY.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
(225)756-5551
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Re: How Do Like Your PACKAGING? February 12, 2006 10:45PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 8 |
<HTML>You will always have flyer by nighters, every industry has them. They cater to the bottom-feeder customers. If that is what you want as customers then keep your prices low.
For that matter, most detailers are fly-by-nighters. What I mean is that most detailers violate many laws: no water containment system; don't pay taxes, don't pay workers a salary; pay under the table; no Workers Compensation Insurance, no business license.
And, who has ever had any formal training? Most learn by the "seat of the pants." Come on, admit it. How many of you have ever been formally trained in any aspect of auto detailing?
So what constitutes a "flyer-by-nighter?" If the shoe fits, wear it truthfully and proudly.
Gary Pendleton</HTML>
Gary Pendleton
Pro Wash Consulting
gary@prowash consulting.com
For that matter, most detailers are fly-by-nighters. What I mean is that most detailers violate many laws: no water containment system; don't pay taxes, don't pay workers a salary; pay under the table; no Workers Compensation Insurance, no business license.
And, who has ever had any formal training? Most learn by the "seat of the pants." Come on, admit it. How many of you have ever been formally trained in any aspect of auto detailing?
So what constitutes a "flyer-by-nighter?" If the shoe fits, wear it truthfully and proudly.
Gary Pendleton</HTML>
Gary Pendleton
Pro Wash Consulting
gary@prowash consulting.com
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Re: How Do Like Your PACKAGING? February 15, 2006 11:42AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 237 |
<HTML>Maybe the answer is just to display your credentials at every oppotunity? This way the customer will come to expect them - the same as we expect to see certain badges on the door of a travel agent or many other trades.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="[www.detailersassociation.com]; target="_blank"><img src="[www.clean-image.co.uk]; alt="PDTA - Auto Detailing and Reconditioning the Professional way!" hspace="3" vspace="2" border="0" align="left"></a>proud member of the<br>
<a href="[www.detailersassociation.com] color="#0000cc">Professional Detailing</font></strong></a><br>
<a href="[www.detailersassociation.com] color="#0000CC">Technician's Association</font></strong></a><br>
</font></HTML>
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="[www.detailersassociation.com]; target="_blank"><img src="[www.clean-image.co.uk]; alt="PDTA - Auto Detailing and Reconditioning the Professional way!" hspace="3" vspace="2" border="0" align="left"></a>proud member of the<br>
![www.clean-image.co.uk](http://www.clean-image.co.uk/assets/pdta-web-cars.gif"){kind=link}
<a href="[www.detailersassociation.com] color="#0000cc">Professional Detailing</font></strong></a><br>
<a href="[www.detailersassociation.com] color="#0000CC">Technician's Association</font></strong></a><br>
</font></HTML>
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Re: How Do Like Your PACKAGING? February 16, 2006 09:46PM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 499 |
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